Job summary
We are looking for a part time Band 6 Clinical Research Nurse to join the Observational and Supportive Research Team. Working 4 days a week. We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with excellent communication skills who can contribute to the development of clinical research within oncology. This team works within a variety of specialities including Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology, Radiotherapy Related Research, Anaesthetics and Critical Care. Therefore, the post holder will work collaboratively alongside different Consultants, Clinical Fellows, Research Nurses, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Trial Pharmacists, Project Managers and Clinical Trial Coordinator/Administrators.The Team manages a portfolio of NIHR non-commercial, academic lead studies alongside limited commercial clinical trials. These can include a wide variety of trial specific sample collections, questionnaires, toxicity assessments, interviews, real world data input and clinical data collection.The role of the Clinical Research Nurse is an exciting and expanding role within the R&I Division. There are opportunities to develop new skills with educational and development packages in place to ensure staff reach their own professional goals and achievements.

Main duties of the job
This post presents an excellent opportunity to join the Observational and Supportive Research Team and manage a varied portfolio of oncology studies as above.The role will involve screening and recruiting patients to a large variety of Observational trials, obtaining informed consent, supporting patients recruited to studies, ensuring study interventions are completed according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Trust standards. This will require the post holder to have exceptional organisational skills, be approachable, have experience within oncology and have good IT skills. Key responsibilities of the post will include the coordination of trial protocols and continued support for patients participating within a clinical trial. Central to this role is the responsibility of assessing and managing the trial pathways including the delivery of all specified trial assessments for patients in clinical research.A background in oncology, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Experience in clinical research would be desirable and flexibility in working days would be required.An ideal candidate would possess strong motivation & have the ability to work independently and be able to collaboratively work within a team.An informal discussion or visit for this post is highly recommended.

About us
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is an international leader in cancer research and development and is the largest cancer treatment centre in Europe.The Christie offers a wide range of complex procedures, requiring advanced skills from our Multi-Disciplinary Team. We offer robust trust induction and training packages, with many development opportunities for all current staff and new starters; both newly qualified and experienced, ensuring high standards and skills are maintained throughout your time in The Christie. We offer a range of speciality roles within the department and in the organisation which supports progression and development of staff.The Observational and Supportive Research Team are a friendly and supportive group and we aim to deliver high quality cancer research for our patients in their cancer treatment pathway.

Job responsibilities

• Work autonomously in all areas of practice relating to clinical research.
• Understand and deliver care in accordance with regulatory approved clinical research protocols.
• Understand the process for obtaining NHS permissions (R&D approval) for conducting clinical trials at site.
• As project lead, ensure permissions are in place prior to any patient recruitment.
• Participate in clinical trial feasibilities and risk assessments of clinical trial protocols.
• Ensure all clinical trial activities are recorded in appropriate systems in a timely manner.
• Awareness of trial specific, regional and national targets.
• Identify and implement strategies for recruiting patients to clinical trials ensuring that targets for patient recruitment are delivered.
• Delegation and oversight of research related activities to research team members (clinical and administrative) and ensure compliance with SOPs and ICH/GCP.
• Arrange and facilitate clinical trial related meetings.
• Involvement in appropriate financial remunerations for clinical trial activity.
• Assimilation of highly complex information relating to clinical trials and communication to patients at a level appropriate to their understanding.
• Ensure highly sensitive information is communicated to patients, relatives, and carers regarding prognosis.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of specialist care pathways in conjunction with appropriate personnel.
• Demonstration of expert knowledge in specialist area to maintain clinical excellence.
• Demonstrate awareness of divisional and trust strategic objectives including performance indicators and metrics.
• Escalation of governance issues impacting on delivery of job purpose.
• To act as a primary contact point for the clinical trial patients and act as adviser to other health care professionals.
• Responsibility for maintenance and development of professional knowledge and practice by attending mandatory and specialist training in accordance with local policy.
• Ensuring care delivery standards in accordance with trial protocol, local policy, NMC Code of Practice Conduct and current best practice.
• Overseeing the safe administration of all licensed and unlicensed medicinal products within the context of a clinical trial.
• Overseeing assessment and evaluation of treatment toxicities and initiation of appropriate intervention.
• Contribute to development of specialist Standard Operating Procedures and guidelines.
• Provide education and support for non-research staff in the delivery of protocol driven treatment for all patients.
• Participate in monitoring and audit activities within research team.
• To carry out non-medical prescribing within scope of professional practice and in accordance with local policies and procedures and national legislation (optional and depending on clinical service needs).
• Maintain professional development whilst evaluating own specialist knowledge and practice through a process of appraisal and personal development planning.
• Promote the role of the clinical research nurse as an integral part of the healthcare system.
• Increase and maintain awareness of current advances in cancer treatments, research and nursing practice thereby maintaining the highest standard of care for patients with cancer and implementing evidence-based care by continuing professional development.
• Participation in trust-wide education programmes and study days.
• Obtain clinical supervision as appropriate.
• To keep up to date with departmental, Trust, UK and EU developments for the management of clinical research ensuring timely, effective implementation of changes.
• Attendance at team and divisional meeting.
• To Support the Senior Clinical Research Nurse in the induction and continued supervision of junior members of staff, ensuring compliance with regulatory compliance and legislation.
• Support the development of specialist study days within own research team.
• Assist in the provision of specialist education and training in relation to clinical trials to all key stakeholders.
• Disseminate information by attendance and /or presentations at local, national and international conferences/meetings.
• Contribute to the development of members of the research team.
• All personnel involved in clinical research have a responsibility to ensure that clinical trials are conducted in accordance with the EU Directive and ICH/GCP.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Registered General Nurse -Currently registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council.
• First Degree or relevant clinical experience.

Desirable

• Post-graduate qualification in oncology and/or clinical research.
• GCP/ICH recognised recent training

Experience
Essential

• Experience of oncology nursing.
• Experience of working autonomously and as part of a Multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to demonstrate evidence of service improvement.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a clinical research environment.

Skills
Essential

• Highly effective communication skills
• Advance organisational skills
• Good written and analytical skills
• Able to manage work autonomously and manage own workload
• Demonstrable IT Skills - able to use Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook

Desirable

• Intra-venous access and cannulation skills administration of IV chemotherapy.
• Good presentation skills.

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of the clinical trial process
• Knowledge of professional and NHS issues and policy relating to specialist area.
• Knowledge of ICH-GCP & research governance framework

Desirable

• Knowledge of Research Ethics Committees
• Knowledge of the purpose of clinical research.

Values
Essential

• Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

Other
Essential

• Maintain professional development and have an awareness of current nursing issues.
• Demonstrates flexibility in working hours

Desirable

• Assertiveness

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.